Drunk Drivers

Most states have criminal laws that impose severe penalties on drunk drivers. Thousands of people are injured or die each year because of drunk drivers, and in addition to being charged with a crime, these people may also be sued in court with a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

If you’ve suffered injuries because of an accident with a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Bhatt Law Group has experienced attorneys who can help you with your New Jersey car injury claim. Call us at (201) 798-8000 to talk to one of our car accident lawyers and discuss the specific facts of your case.

Common Accidents

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the effects of alcohol on drivers that may lead to certain accidents.

Speed-related collisions – Drunk drivers suffer from impaired judgment, self-control, and reasoning. They often experience lapses in judgment as to dangerous maneuvers on the road, including excessive speeds. The National Highway Traffic Association (NHTA) reports that in 2014, 41 percent of drivers in fatal crashes who were speeding had blood alcohol contents (BACs) above the legal limit, as compared to only 17 percent of non-speeding drivers who were also involved in fatal accidents.

Failure to follow traffic signals and posted road signs – Drunk drivers suffer from the reduced ability to process information, as well as poor muscle coordination. This often results in drunk drivers being unable to see or follow traffic signals and road signs. Therefore, they may run red lights or stop signs and collide with other vehicles.

Swerving lanes and failure to brake on time – Drunk drivers suffer from deteriorating reaction times and loss of control over the steering wheel. This can cause the driver to swerve into other lanes and result in side-impact collisions or, if the opposite lane has oncoming traffic, more serious head-on collisions.

Pedestrian Accidents – According to the CDC, alcohol impairment was involved in 49 percent of accidents that resulted in a pedestrian fatality.

New Jersey Dram Shop Law

Many states recognize “dram shop” claims, which allow injured people to sue the establishment that provided alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver right before a drunk driving accident. New Jersey’s dram shop statute allows injured people to bring personal injury claims against establishments with alcohol serving licenses who serve alcoholic beverages to visibly drunk individuals and minors who later cause accidents.

Proving liability under the dram shop law can be a complicated issue. You may be able to use the testimony of witnesses, such as restaurant employees, who observed the person drinking and interacting with others over a period of time. They may be able to testify as to the drunken state of the driver and help show whether the restaurant knew or should have known that the person was drunk. Also, you may be able to use financial records showing what drinks the driver bought, how much, and from whom.

Personal Injury Claims Against Drunk Drivers

Bhatt Law Group has experienced Jersey City car accident lawyers who have been helping people throughout New Jersey with their personal injury claims since 2006, and we may be able to help you get compensation for injuries caused by a drunk driver. We have years of combined experience with drunk driver claims and can help you navigate the complex laws and procedures involved. Those responsible for your injuries and losses should be held accountable.

Don’t hesitate to call any one of our Jersey City attorneys at (201) 798-8000 to schedule a free initial consultation so we can help you determine the best strategy for your claims.

Call us Today at(201) 798-8000

RECENT CASE RESULTS

$1,300,000.00 settlement for claimant injured in a motor vehicle accident. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to her spine.

$950,000.00 settlement for claimant injured when she was struck by a motor vehicle when crossing the street. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a fractured leg and injuries to her back. This was a difficult liability case but the settlement was obtained as a result of strong settlement negotiations.

$825,000.00 settlement for claimant injured when he slipped and fell on ice. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a broken ankle.

$375,000.00 settlement for claimant injured when he was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle in Jersey City. The liability insurance carrier argued low impact with minimal property damage and our client’s age to minimize the extent of his damages. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to his neck and back resulting in multiple injections including a two level lumbar fusion and discectomy surgery. This settlement was the result of strategic preparation and strong settlement negotiations.

$100,000.00 settlement for claimant injured when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maplewood. The claim had its complexities due to the claimant's ongoing health issues, prior accident history and age. As a result of the subject accident, our client sustained an aggravation of injuries to her neck, back and right shoulder resulting in a one level discectomy with instrumentation. The bodily insurance carrier tendered its insured's policy limits prior to the two year statute of limitations and without extensive litigation.

Your Personal Injury Team

When someone’s negligence causes you or a loved one serious injury, you deserve justice. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Bhatt Law Group is here to help you obtain the maximum available compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. We’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured people throughout New Jersey.